Fostering successful international deployments

Financial Advisory mobility success stories

While the challenges of international assignments can be daunting, they have the potential to create winners all around.

Being an expatriate requires a unique set of skills — from mastering unfamiliar languages to adapting to different workplace cultures. This article examines the factors that may make international assignments successful.

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Executive summary

As Deloitte continues to solidify its global network, we have to be able to provide the same delivery and client service experience everywhere our clients do business. International deployments are an important tool that allow more mature practices to help emerging ones fill gaps and meet client expectations. However, these assignments come with plenty of challenges. The simple truth is that no matter how excellent an employee’s work is in their home office, being an expatriate requires a unique set of skills — from mastering unfamiliar languages to adapting to different workplace cultures.

This article profiles two Deloitte professionals and examines what factors made their assignments so successful, and how those achievements may be replicated in other markets.

Learn several best practices to help maximize the value of mobility assignments for both the host country and individual on assignment. The article provides elements on:

Clarity of purpose

Language skills

Soft skills: ability to adapt to culture and form connections with local professionals

Communication among the sending firm, the employee, and the receiving firm

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of DTTL and its member firms.